Big Sis Likes Ham #sponsored post

#sponsored post. I am a member of Petit Jean Meats Blue Diamond Club. As part of my membership, I am sometimes given products for review and/or giveaway on this blog. All opinions are mine and are a result of products that I've actually tried. 

Last weekend we tried a couple of new things. We went on our very first trip with another family! We invited Big Sis's BFF and her family to join us for a weekend away at Grand Lake in Oklahoma. With both families combined, we had seven kids: six girls plus Boy Twin! We spent some time in the hot tub, watched golfers out our back door and played at a nearby state park.

When it was time to feed our crew, we split the duties. On Bramell night, I was very fortunate to have a brand new Petit Jean product to share with everyone. We got to try the new Petit Jean Spiral Sliced Honey Ham and it was delicious! When the ham arrived in the mail, I asked Big Sis if she would like to help me plan the menu for our trip. I wanted it to be kid friendly and easy for us to make away from home.

Menu Chosen by Big Sis:

Honey Ham

Mashed Potatoes

Green Beans

Mac & Cheese

Rolls

Crunchy Salad from Trisha's Yearwood's cookbook (my choice!)

Since the ham is fully cooked, I followed the heating instructions on the package. It took about an hour to heat, which was enough time to cook all the side dishes.  Big Sis normally is my big helper in the kitchen, but with so many other kids around to play with, I couldn't keep her in the kitchen this time.

However, she was happy to eat the ham. She gave it two thumbs up!  This 7lb ham was more than enough to feed eleven of us, and I was thrilled to have some leftovers-- plus the ham bone to take home for a yummy pot of beans later in the week.

Here's a photo of our crew at the state park. We enjoyed some sunshine, threw rocks in the lake and explored the Nature Center.  What a great looking group of kiddos!

With the holidays coming up, you can score one of these new Honey Hams or any other Petit Jean product by shopping online at Petit Jean Meats. They will even ship your gift purchase right to the recipient for you!

Royal Gameday Treats

 

 

**Disclaimer: I am a member of the Petit Jean Meats Blue Diamond Club. Through this affiliation, I get to sample products, try new recipes and share them with my readers. Sometimes I give my opinion on new products and packaging. My opinions are my own. I was given Petit Jean product in exchange for promotion in the following post.  **

 

 

 

The original title of this post was Football Fanatics. It's true that this time of year you would normally find me posting about Razorback football and all the fun that goes with it. In  fact, this post was going to be about kid-friendly Razorback tailgating treats. That was my plan...until our Kansas City Royals ended up in postseason play!

 

Suddenly, we found ourselves in the strange position of having a Razorback football conference game and Game 1 of the ALCS on the same day; overlapping times, even. We decided to go with a blue-and-white party to celebrate the Royals' success. My family managed to watch both games and cheer hard for both of our teams! 

I used most of the Petit Jean Deluxe Sampler to create our game day menu. There is so much food in the sampler, that I just couldn't prepare it all at once. And, I have to be completely honest, the bacon never even made it to the table. We had it for breakfast instead of putting it in our game day spread! When it's that good, you just can't wait for it.

 

Lee really enjoyed the Petit Jean Smoked Sausage; it was the first time we'd tried it. I cut it into bite sized pieces and simmered it on the stove in BBQ sauce. The kids like eating anything using toothpicks, so this was perfect for them!

I used Petit Jean hot dogs to make pigs in a blanket. The rest of our menu consisted of bologna bites, mini ham and cheese sandwiches and a snack platter with Summer Sausage, sliced cheese and crackers. All of that, combined with a fruit plate and some fresh popcorn, set us up for excellent game day snacking.

 

With the holidays coming up soon, you can find a great variety of gift baskets and samplers at the Petit Jean Meats website. 

*This is a sponsored post.

Check out the photos of our yummy game day feast!

The Great Outdoors & A Giveaway!

#Sponsored post. See information below.

Well, the Party of Five is fresh off our first family camping trip. We spent last weekend camping at Lake Fort Smith State Park, which is about 30 miles from home. It was our first trip to the park, and we were in awe of the beauty and all the fun things to do there. We even got to take Fergie with us!

We camped, we walked and we played. But, more than anything, we ATE! I guess that's just part of the scene. Keep reading to see some of the yummies we cooked and how you can WIN something delicious from me.

Our campsite, which was the farthest one away from the bathroom (of course).

The fantastic swimming pool, complete with water slides and splash pad. We spent some of the hot afternoon there.

Breakfast in the great outdoors, courtesy of Dad and Petit Jean Smoked Bacon! What? Doesn't everyone need a slingshot at breakfast?

Here we are roasting our Petit Jean Grillers over the campfire, some of us more fashionably than others. Now, let me tell you a secret. I am not a hot dog person; in fact, I usually pass on the dogs.  However, I will throw down some PJ Grillers! They are the best (and only) hot dogs that I will eat.



Do you want to try some for FREE? Leave me a comment in this post and tell me about your favorite place to go camping. Are you a tent or RV kind of person? I'll give one person four packages of PJ Grillers FREE to try out. Edit: Please leave me your email address with your comment, so I can reach you if you win. 

Deadline to enter giveaway is Tuesday, July 1st at 5pm Central. And, by the way, July is National Hot Dog Month....so you can celebrate, courtesy of Petit Jean Meats and ME!







Disclaimer: I am a member of the Petit Jean Meats Blue Diamond Club. Through this affiliation, I get to try out products, and give my opinions on new products and branding for the company. My opinions are my own and honest reflections of how I feel. I was given some PJ Grillers for this giveaway, in exchange for promotion on this blog.

Petit Jean Ham Winner Announcement

#Sponsored blog 

Disclaimer: I am a member of the Petit Jean Meats Blue Diamond Club. Through this affiliation, I get to try out products, and give my opinions on new products and branding for the company. My opinions are my own and honest reflections of how I feel. I was given product for this giveaway, so that I could also give away a smoked ham on my blog.

Congratulations to Lara U. on her big Thanksgiving win! She will be feeding her (large) family a tasty, spiral cut smoked ham for the holidays.

Thanks to everyone who left a comment and played along; there was a great response.  And thanks to Petit Jean Meats for sponsoring this great holiday giveaway.  Please go like their Facebook page and follow them on Twitter.  Also, don't forget that you can shop Petit Jean Meats online for some great holiday gifts to ship to friends and family anywhere!

Thanksgiving Giveaway: Win a Petit Jean Ham

#Sponsored blog 

Disclaimer: I am a member of the Petit Jean Meats Blue Diamond Club. Through this affiliation, I get to try out products, and give my opinions on new products and branding for the company. My opinions are my own and honest reflections of how I feel. I was given product for this giveaway, so that I could also give away a smoked ham on my blog.

As you may already know, the Bramells are big fans of Petit Jean Meats products; you name it: ham, sausage, bacon, hot dogs...all of it!  That's why I'm so glad to be able to do another Petit Jean ham giveaway on my blog this week, just in time for the holidays.

 

I will tell you that I'm cooking our Smoked Ham (bone-in) for our Black Friday meal this year.  Well, my mama will be cooking it this time, but that's a story to share when the time comes!  I prefer the bone-in smoked hams because you can make two delicious meals with it ; I made the best pot of white beans after Easter using the bone from our Easter ham. 

 

Here is my post on our Easter Ham.  I used Trisha Yearwood's recipe for glaze and it was fantastic.  I'm going to suggest to mom that she use it, but she might have her own ideas.

 

So, who wants to win a FREE Petit Jean Ham?  Just comment below with your name and email address to get yourself in the drawing.  Let me know:  Would you choose a smoked bone-in ham or spiral sliced one?  Regular or Peppered?   

 

Don't forget you can shop online at Petit Jean Meats website.  They have amazing gift baskets and bundle packs that make holiday shopping a breeze. They can ship your gifts for you, too!

 

Deadline to enter this giveaway will be Sunday, November 24 at noon.  

Pinterest Made Me Do It

Ham & Mozzarella Pizza Bites

As you probably know by now, we have a certain affection for Petit Jean Ham here in the Bramell house.  After eating ham about 10 different ways, and in 10 different dishes, I ran across this recipe and thought it would be perfect for us. It didn't have any real directions, only photos, so I had to make it up as I went along.

Upon looking at my finished product, I declared this experiment my first real "Pinterest fail," strictly based on how it looked.

But then we TASTED IT.  Yummm. Not a Pinterest fail at all, my friends.  We gobbled it up and I even made it again for a potluck at work earlier this week.  Enjoy!

I used only diced ham slices and mozzarella, but you could easily adapt this recipe and use veggies and other meats, too.

My (sorta, kinda) Random Act of Kindness

When I think about what "random act of kindness" means, I immediately think of someone paying for my meal or drink at a drive through.  That's just what I've always associated the term with, until recently.

 

As part of my work with Petit Jean Meats, I was given the opportunity to perform my very own random act of kindness.  In the process of brainstorming what I'd like to do, and for whom, I thought about many things.  Above all, I wanted to do something nice for someone who needed it.  But I also knew it might be a tad awkward to approach the homeless man outside our nearby grocery store and hand him a ham.  And, if I cooked him a meal, what would he do with the leftovers?  I'm being serious.  I'm practical like that.

 

So, I decided to make a meal for the youth at our church.  Each Sunday, the youth groups meet for dinner and Sunday evening events at church.  They often need the adults to provide dinners for them, so I thought this would be a perfect chance for me to pitch in and help.

 

With my trusty little kitchen helper, we made enough hammy sliders with cheese to feed a small army.  I also made a double batch of Rotel dip, and some homemade chocolate chip cookies to go with the sammys.   I threw in a few bags of chips, and it was done! I kept it simple because I know what I would have wanted when I was that age...and it wasn't a casserole! We delivered the goods to a very happy and appreciative group of kids and adult helpers.

 

 

 

 

This was a fun way for us to do something to serve others. I had to admit, it felt a little bit strange spending so much time in the kitchen that wasn't for my own troops.  But it was also quite soothing.  I love that it was a good lesson in being a servant that I could teach to Big Sis while she helped me in the kitchen.  Strangely, I didn't get her picture until we got to the church. Her reward for helping was getting to try out the brand new playground that just opened last week.  She gives it two thumbs up!

 

 

Disclaimer: I am a member of the Petit Jean Meats Blue Diamond Club. Through this affiliation, I get to try out products, and give my opinions on new products and branding for the company. My opinions are my own and honest reflections of how I feel. I was given product for this #PJActs, so that I could have an opportunity to pay it forward to someone else.  No money was exchanged.

And the Winner is...

Congratulations to Babbs Clements!  She was chosen by random.org as the winner of a BRAND NEW, spiral sliced smoked ham from Petit Jean Meats.  I know she will be excited, and so will her daughters.  

Remember, if you didn't win and you'd like to try some of the wonderful products by Petit Jean Meats, you can shop at Petit Jean Meats online and have it shipped right to your house.  In my opinion, you will not find a better tasting ham or bacon.

Thanks for playing, everyone!  Stay tuned for another cool giveaway I'll have later in the week to kick off the official start of SPRING.  

Sunday Dinner = Delicious Ham

Last Sunday, in the middle of potty training, I managed to get our Petit Jean Spiral Sliced Ham prepared and on the table for dinner.  It was fantastic!  A couple of months ago I was watching Trisha Yearwood's cooking show on the Food Network and saw her baking a ham and making a delicious-looking glaze.  I knew that I wanted to try it.  So, when I got my ham last week, IT WAS ON.  Here is the recipe her glaze I used:  Brown Sugar Honey Glaze .

I had to modify the recipe just a bit because Trisha's ham was much bigger than mine, but it still worked.  It's hard to mess up when there are only two ingredients involved!

First, I wrapped the ham in foil and baked for about 30 minutes.  While it was baking, I made the glaze using honey and brown sugar.  Then, I took out the ham and poured on the glaze.  I wrapped it and baked for another 45 minutes.  The house smelled so sweet and yummy!

Remember, I'm not a food blogger or a professional photographer---bet you can't tell!  Ha!  So, here is your last chance to enter my giveaway.  One of my readers will win a Spiral Sliced Smoked Ham from Arkansas's own Petit Jean Meats. Go to THIS POST and follow my instructions to enter.  It would make a perfect addition to your Easter dinner (or any dinner, for that matter).  You have just under 24 hours left to get your name in the drawing...go now!  

Disclaimer:  I am a member of the Petit Jean Meats Blue Diamond Club.  Through this affiliation, I get to try out products, and give my opinions on new products and branding for the company. My opinions are my own and honest reflections of how I feel. I was given product for this giveaway, so that I could also give away a spiral sliced ham on my blog.

Knock Knock. Who's There? HAM!

And I'm not talking about just any old ham, people.  I'm talking about the best ham you've ever tasted--and it could be yours!  I am giving away a Petit Jean HIckory Smoked Spiral Cut  Ham, just in time for Easter festivities.  My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

If you don't know, Petit Jean Meats in an Arkansas based company with great tasting products like bacon, ham, sausages and hot dogs.  You can find their meats in grocery stores all over the state, or you can order online direct from www.petitjeanmeats.com . 

I am trying to decide if I want to cook my spiral cut ham for Easter dinner (share), or cook it another weekend just for us at home (or not share).   Either way, I have a delicious plan for this baby. Stay tuned for a follow up post and I'll share my recipe that I'm so excited about trying.  Hint: I got it from my friend Trisha Yearwood!  Well, ok. She's not really my friend but I kinda know her, and I adore her, and the woman can cook.

You know it's a special occasion when Petit Jean is on the table!  Well, in my house it is for sure.

I'm so excited about this great opportunity for one of my readers to win a ham.  I mean, we all have to eat, right?  If you want to enter the drawing to win, follow these steps:

+ Go to  THIS LINK to sign up for the Petit Jean Meats e-newsletter.  You will receive occasional e-mails about product news, special offers and other useful information.  You must sign up for the newsletter to be included in the drawing.

+  Leave a comment under this post!  Let me know that you did sign up for the e-newsletter, and tell me what side dish would go great with this ham.  Also, make sure you leave me your e-mail address so I can contact you if you win.  

+  Deadline to enter is Thursday, March 14th at 8:00 p.m. Central time.  A winner will be announced within a few days.

Disclaimer:  I am a member of the Petit Jean Meats Blue Diamond Club.  Through this affiliation, I get to try out products, and give my opinions on new products and branding for the company. My opinions are my own and honest reflections of how I feel. I was given product for this giveaway, so that I could also give away a spiral sliced ham on my blog.

Bringing home the bacon!

I've just wrapped up my giveaway of a Dallas Cowboys Gift Box of delicious ham and bacon from Petit Jean Meats.  Here's what it looks like:

The winner of this basket of tasty meats is my friend Keisha, blogger at Big Pitt Stop. She loves, loves, LOVES to cook, so I know she will enjoy whipping up something great with this prize. And coincidentally , she's a Texas girl, so this Dallas Cowboys package is right up her alley.  

The winner of this giveaway was chosen at random, in a very scientific manner.  All the names of entries were hand written on slips of paper.

I recruited an able-bodied assistant (and her assistant) to help me.

One name was chosen from all of the entries.

Don't forget, Petit Jean offers many varieties of gift boxes which make great gifts during the holiday season. Visit their website to check them out.  You won't be sorry!

Disclaimer:  I am a member of the Petit Jean Meats Blue Diamond Club.  Through this affiliation, I get to try out products, and give my opinions on new products and branding for the company. My opinions are my own and honest reflections of how I feel. I was given product for this giveaway, so that I could also give away the gift box on my blog.

Did someone say BACON?

This time of the year we are all looking for creative and unique gift ideas for our family, friends and loved ones.  Do you hate shopping for the person who has everything?  Do you try to think of something unusual, that shows you really put some thought into the gift?  

Look what I have here! This is a Petit Jean Bacon & Ham Gift Box that will knock their socks off! As many of you know, Petit Jean is an Arkansas based company that offers many excellent products from bacon, to hams and sausages.   

And YOU could WIN one of these unique food baskets right here on my blog!  This particular package is specially branded with the Dallas Cowboys team logo.  If you want to see this, and other Dallas Cowboys branded products, you can click HERE.  This would make a perfect gift for the Dallas Cowboys fan in your life. And, if you aren't a fan? Doesn't matter! The delicious ham and bacon is reason enough to enter this giveaway.

This gift package includes:  (1) package of Sliced Smoked Ham

                                          (1) package of Sliced Peppered Ham

                                         (1) package of Hickory Smoked Bacon

                                          (1) package of Hickory Smoked Peppered Bacon

                                             

I have been thinking of what you might do with this gift box, and here's my list--

• A teacher gift. Trust me, they get enough candles and apple trinkets to last a lifetime.
• Great for a family member who doesn't live in Arkansas; introduce them to the goodness of Petit Jean Meats.
• Makes an excellent hostess gift during your holiday travel.
• Perfect for a holiday gift for your boss.
• Or just keep it for YOURSELF!  

My family tried out this very same gift box around Thanksgiving. I was so thankful to have something besides leftover turkey to eat! We had ham sandwiches for lunch and bacon for breakfast for several days.  I personally love the peppered bacon, but the kids preferred the plain hickory smoked variety; the little ones couldn't handle the spicy flavor from the pepper.  

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:  You must leave a comment on this post.  Tell me what food is a must-have at your holiday dinner table.  Also remember to leave me your name and email address so I can contact you if you win! Deadline to enter is 9:00am on Saturday, December 8th.  Winner will be chosen at random from all comments left on this post.

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Disclaimer:  I am a member of the Petit Jean Meats Blue Diamond Club.  Through this affiliation, I get to try out products, and give my opinions on new products and branding for the company. My opinions are my own and honest reflections of how I feel. I was given product for this giveaway, so that I could also give away the gift box on my blog.